Best Gifts to Give To Veterans

There are two principal ways to celebrate a decorated military veteran. You could either mount a three-gun salute at their funeral or present them with a thoughtful gift when they're still alive.  

Unfortunately, a 3-gun salute is beyond the scope of civilians. Besides, the ceremony is typically dedicated to veterans who’ve achieved certain ranks within the military. Therefore, the only other way to celebrate a veteran is to offer them a befitting present while they’re still alive.  

The good news is that there are tons of gifts you can give to a retired serviceman. These range from sentimental presents to functional ones.  

We’ve put together a handy military gift guide to help you choose the best present for the special veteran in your life from top veteran owned clothing companies. 

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com 

1. Patriotic Outfits 

Patriotic outfits are probably the first things that come to mind when shopping for the perfect veteran presents. What makes this gift idea worth exploring is that there are several items to pick from, including shirts, t-shirts, jackets, and accessories like caps and socks.  

Patriotic shirts stand out from most patriotic outfits due to their sheer conspicuousness.  

Gifting a veteran with high-quality patriotic shirts from a trusted supplier like Nine Line Apparel is an ingenious way to invoke a sense of nationalism. The outfits are a constant reminder that although they’re no longer in active service, the wearer remains indebted to their country. 

2. Veteran’s Creed Wall Art 

Beautiful wall art can transform an otherwise dull interior ambiance into a magical spectacle. It’s even better if the art displays the veteran’s creed.  

A veteran creed’s wall art can add a touch of style to the recipient’s man cave, home office, or gun room. It also reminds them of the values they hold so dearly.  

The material a veteran’s creed wall art is printed on is paramount when picking this gift. Insist on high-quality wood or canvas that adds a rustic appearance to the interior décor. 

3. Military Doll 

Veterans are stereotypically considered stoic and expressionless individuals with low regard for sentimental items like dolls. But that’s not exactly true.  

Many retired servicemen (and women) would gladly have a place for dolls in their new lives.  

That’s especially true if the doll is personalized to resemble the recipient’s physical appearance or exploits during their years in active duty. 

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com 

4. Tactical Knife 

Retiring from active service doesn’t spell the end of danger. In fact, depending on their residence and new occupation, a veteran may be exposed to far more risks than their active duty counterparts. Therefore, a handy tactical knife can go a long way.  

But a tactical knife isn’t only useful for self-defense. It’s a multipurpose tool that may also be useful during pastime activities like hunting, fishing, and camping.  

Note that there are certain factors to consider when shopping for a tactical knife. Common ones include size, blade type, and ergonomics.  

5. Tactical Backpack 

After choosing a befitting tactical knife for the special veteran in your life, you’ll most certainly need a tactical backpack to carry it.  

The knapsack is necessary if the knife is large enough not to fit your pocket.  

Most tactical backpacks are designed with several compartments to store various outdoor gear. These sacks also come in different designs and sizes, depending on the amount of items they’re intended to carry. 

6. A Pair of Binoculars 

A pair of binoculars is one of the most resourceful gear for active-duty and retired servicemen.  

It allows a veteran to conduct enhanced surveillance within their general vicinity and identify potential threats in time.  

It doesn’t matter if the intended recipient resides in the most secure neighborhood. They may still require a pair of binoculars to scope out danger in their surroundings while hunting, hiking, or otherwise venturing outdoors. 

7. Flashlight 

Many veterans prefer spending their retirement in off-grid outposts. That makes a flashlight an essential gift idea.  

Now, certain factors should go into choosing the right flashlight for your veteran friend or relative. The most important consideration is the lumen rating.  

Insist on flashlights with a lumen rating between 400 and 1000. Such lamps are often bright enough to illuminate several feet ahead.  

Other key considerations include water resistance, impact resistance, and battery run time. 

8. Military-themed Keychain 

A military-themed keychain is another excellent idea if you are looking for a personalized veteran gift. 

It’s an excellent present for a retired serviceman who carries plenty of small everyday carry (EDC) items around, such as car keys and small tactical weapons.  

The keychain could be embroidered in military themes, such as bullet-shaped designs. It could also feature patriotic themes like the national flag or military fatigues.  

9. Military-themed Wallet 

A wallet, like a keychain, is an essential EDC item that any veteran would love.  

The saving grace is that military-themed wallets are fairly easy to come by. There are also several ways to customize them.  

You could imprint the recipient’s name and rank on the wallet or opt for a patriotic-themed wallet. In the interest of durability, it would help to choose a wallet designed in premium-quality leather. 

Summary 

Every veteran is unique. Therefore, choosing a thoughtful gift depends on the recipient’s tastes and preferences, which is important.  

You may need to understand a veteran’s personality before picking a befitting gift for them. While some retired servicemen prefer sentimental presents like artwork, others find functional gifts like wallets more agreeable.